Our scripture this morning is Matthew 18:12-14 (NLT).
“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away! In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish.”
This parable is also recorded in Luke 15:3-7, along with more teaching about searching for and finding lost things, including people. Jesus explains that when we lose something valuable we look for it diligently. His lesson is that each of us are valuable to God and He is continually reaching out to us in our lost state.
Jesus reminds us that when a lost item is found and returned, we are joyful to have it back. In the same way God rejoices over every one of us who returns in repentance, asking forgiveness for our sin. Unfortunately, like lost sheep, those who stray don’t always find the way back on their own.
We all have a duty as the body of Christ to help the Good Shepherd find and retrieve lost sheep, those who have wandered away from His word and His love. Each of us is called to be part of His kingdom work, sharing the Gospel with the world. We are responsible to Him for all of creation, and this includes our brothers and sisters.
Loving Lord, we are sorry for the times we wander off in search of our own selfish desires. Forgive us and strengthen us in faith, that we may accomplish the work You have given us to share Your love everywhere. Amen.
